When disaster strikes, courage takes the lead. That was the response of the nation’s peacekeepers during the severe flooding that affected different parts of the country due to the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, locally known as “Habagat,” later intensified by a typhoon and various Low Pressure Areas (LPAs).
As the Habagat response continued even on the first week of September, the Philippine National Police (PNP) scaled up its deployment to 2,207 personnel, alongside 12,459 Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) personnel, to sustain emergency response and public safety operations.
On August 30, 2026, the PNP deployed personnel to 948 occupied evacuation centers nationwide, which sheltered 31,800 families, totaling 138,325 individual evacuees. The said deployment included 741 personnel at evacuation centers; 30 in vacated areas; 3,180 at vital installations; 769 for search, rescue, and response operations; and 473 for monitoring and road-clearing activities. Additionally, 295 Women and Children Protection Desk personnel were stationed at evacuation facilities to protect vulnerable groups.
To assist stranded commuters, the PNP also deployed 353 personnel, along with 141 mobile patrol cars and 12 MAN trucks, for the PNP Libreng Sakay initiative. Relief efforts were also implemented simultaneously, delivering at least 14,222 items of assistance to 34,510 affected individuals.
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PNP Chief, underscored the importance of ensuring the safety of all affected individuals, highlighting that the strategic deployment of police units is intended to facilitate timely response.
“Ang priority natin ngayon ay safety.We want our personnel to be where they are most needed—in evacuation centers, on the roads, and in communities that need immediate assistance. We will continue coordinating with local authorities and our partner agencies so that help can reach our people,” said PGen Nartatez.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant: “We are asking everyone to remain vigilant and to follow the advice of local authorities. Sa ating mga kababayan, huwag po tayong mag-atubiling humingi ng tulong kung kinakailangan,” he added.
On the same day, at around one o’clock in the morning, personnel of the Meycauayan City Police Station (CPS), led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Melvin M. Florida Jr., Chief of Police, were conducting monitoring and traffic assistance amid the flash flood when they were alerted about a woman in labor in Barangay Banga, Meycauayan City, Bulacan. Without wasting a single second, the police officers immediately responded and brought the pregnant woman inside the police mobile. While on their way to the hospital, the baby was safely born. Indeed, their timely response ensured the safety of both the mother and her newborn baby.
Likewise, on August 7, a similar police operation took place in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, but, unfortunately, it had a different result. An official seaborne patrol turned into a tragic story of heroism as it took the life of a brave police officer who attempted to rescue two drowning individuals.
According to reports, at around 10:30 in the morning, Police Master Sergeant Fernando P. Marfa, assigned to the Cadiz Component City Police Station, was conducting a seaborne patrol together with members of the Bantay Dagat in the waters of Sitio Bisang, Barangay Luna, Cadiz City. While crossing a river during the operation, two of his companions were reportedly swept away by the strong current and began to drown.
Without hesitation, PMSg Marfa immediately attempted to rescue them. In the course of rendering assistance, however, he was overpowered by the strong river current, causing him to submerge. Personnel of the Cadiz Component City Police Station, led by their Chief of Police, together with responders from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), immediately launched search and retrieval operations. The police officer was subsequently recovered and rushed to Cadiz District Hospital for emergency medical intervention. Despite all efforts, he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region, led by Police Brigadier General Romano V. Cardiño, Regional Director, extended its deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of PMSg Marfa. The entire PNP organization mourned his untimely passing. The PNP Top Cop, however, honored the fallen police officer’s sacrifice, stating that his selfless act of courage in protecting and saving others, even at the cost of his own life, embodies the highest ideals of public service and the noblest traditions of the Philippine National Police.
“PMSg Marfa made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. His courage and willingness to risk his own life to save others reflect the finest traditions of the Philippine National Police. Sa halip na unahin ang sariling kaligtasan, pinili niyang iligtas ang kanyang kasamahan. Hindi malilimutan ang kanyang tapang at sakripisyo,” PGen Nartatez said.
Such acts of bravery serve as a lasting reminder of the risks carried by those who commit to wearing the police uniform—and of the lives they are willing to protect even at the greatest personal cost.
